Historic Victory in T20I Series for Ireland Against Pakistan: Jane Maguire Sets New World Record with a Last-Ball Six
In a thrilling turn of events, Ireland's women's cricket team secured a 2-0 series lead against Pakistan in the second T20I, thanks to a standout performance by Jane Maguire.
The chase in the second T20I was not straightforward, with wickets falling at regular intervals. However, Ireland's bowlers managed to restrict Pakistan to a modest total. The tension remained high until the last over, with 5 runs needed off the final ball. In a moment of composure and clean hitting, Maguire sealed the victory for Ireland with a six, becoming the first woman in T20I history to win a series with a last-ball maximum.
Maguire's performance in the second T20I was not her first remarkable achievement. She is already known for being the first Irish woman to take a five-wicket haul in a WT20I match, a significant benchmark in the shortest format of international women's cricket. This accomplishment places her among the prominent figures in Irish women's cricket history for T20Is.
Ireland's 2-0 series lead serves as a statement in the cricketing world, showcasing the growth and ability of Irish women's cricket to compete with top-tier teams. The victory in the second T20I also serves as a wake-up call for Pakistan ahead of the final match, as they aim to avoid a clean sweep in the series.
The playing XIs for both teams were as follows:
Ireland: Amy Hunter (wicketkeeper), Gaby Lewis (captain), Orla Prendergast, Leah Paul, Laura Delany, Rebecca Stokell, Ava Canning, Jane Maguire, Arlene Kelly, Cara Murray, Lara McBride
Pakistan: Muneeba Ali, Shawaal Zulfiqar, Sidra Amin, Aliya Riaz, Eyman Fatima, Natalia Pervaiz, Fatima Sana (captain), Rameen Shamim, Nashra Sandhu, Tuba Hassan, Sadia Iqbal
Social media celebrated Maguire's six as an iconic finish in the sport, marking a significant milestone for Irish women's cricket. As the series comes to a close, all eyes will be on the final match to see if Ireland can secure a clean sweep.
Maguire's exceptional last-ball six in the second T20I was hailed as an iconic finish in the sport, indicating a significant milestone for Irish women's cricket. The thrilling victory has given Ireland a 2-0 series lead, serving as a wake-up call for Pakistan ahead of the final match where they strive to avoid a clean sweep.
